Creel with two-for-one twisting units

ABSTRACT

A creel 1 with twisting devices is capable of directly supplying twisted yarns from bobbins carrying non-twisted yarns to a loom or a warper, and of producing not only normal fabric but also a fabric having a low weft density woven at a higher rate or a fabric using hard-twist yarns as warps. A plurality of rotatable spindles 8, each carrying a bobbin 3 on which a non-twisted yarn 2 is wound, are arranged on a frame 18. The yarns 2 withdrawn from the bobbins 3 on the spindles 8 are twisted and arranged to form a yarn sheet 19. The spindles 8 are rotatably secured via bearings to the frame 18 of the creel 1 at the center of a rotary shaft section 8&#39; which is arranged in a horizontal direction. On both ends of the rotary shaft section 8&#39;, a section for supporting the bobbin 3 carrying the non-twisted yarn 2 is formed, on which a two-for-one twisting device 21 is provided.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a creel for supplying yarns directly toan apparatus for collectively processing the yarns, such as a loom or awarper, or to a yarn winding apparatus such as a bobbin winder, whiletwisting non-twisted yarns in a single twisting manner or in atwo-for-one-twisting manner.

BACKGROUND ART

In the conventional art, when a belt-like fabric such as a safety beltor a sling belt is woven by using twisted yarns as warp, a beam formedby a predetermined number of twisted yarns wound thereon is loaded on aloom, or a creel carrying a plurality of bobbins of twisted yarns isused, from which the twisted yarns are fed to the loom.

When the twisted yarns are used as warp, the following problems mayoccur.

It is a custom that the twisting operation itself is generally notcarried out by a fabric maker but is done by outside twisters.Therefore, although it is necessary to change a twisting degree inaccordance with the required feelings of the individual fabrics so thatthe nature of a yarn is modified to be suitable for the use of a fabric,the change of twisting degree is substantially impossible after the yarnhas been twisted even if it is found to be unsuitable, and the twistedyarns must be used as they are. Moreover, a length of yarn wound on abobbin may vary from one bobbin to another resulting in a considerableamount of wasted twisted yarn.

Further, since a length of twisted yarn wound on a bobbin is at most onehalf, usually one third, of a length of large-packaged raw yarn, it isnecessary to change the exhausted bobbin of twisted yarn for a new oneand tie the two together. This results in not only a troublesome manualoperation but also an increase in waste because the tied portion of yarncannot be used for producing a fabric for certain uses and must bescrapped. As described above, there are many inconveniences in theprocess for the production of a woven fabric wherein twisted yarns areused as warp, compared with another process wherein non-twisted yarnsare supplied directly to a loom from a creel as described below.

That is, the process wherein non-twisted yarns are directly supplied aswarp from the creel is more advantageous from the viewpoint ofproduction efficiency compared with the former process, for thefollowing reasons. Since large-packaged raw yarns are used, it isunnecessary to tie the raw yarns together during the weaving operation;a rewinding process and warping process are eliminated; and it isunnecessary to rely on an outside twisted yarn maker for the twistingoperation of raw yarn. However, there are problems in the process inthat the quality of the resultant product is relatively inferior. Forexample, the resultant product has a feeling limited to a softer rangeand has a lower wear resistance because the non-twisted yarn is used,and the production process becomes troublesome when a certain type ofyarn is used due to the generation of a large amount of fluff during theweaving operation due to filament breakage, whereby, in a worst case, itis necessary to stop the loom and restore the loom to a normal state.

To solve the above problems, the present inventors proposed, in JapanesePatent Application No. 57-029084, a creel provided with a plurality oftwisting devices of a flyer type on bobbins, each carrying annon-twisted yarn, so that the non-twisted yarn is twisted while beingsupplied from the bobbin. Although the purpose for supplying alarge-packaged non-twisted yarn while twisting the same to a loom hasbeen attained according to this invention, it has been found that theinstallation cost becomes large.

Next, the present inventors proposed in Japanese Patent Application No.60-189847, to achieve the same object with a relatively smallinstallation cost, a creel using a ring-traveller type twisting device,which is simpler in structure and relatively inexpensive compared withthe aforesaid flyer type twisting device.

However, the installation cost thus lowered was still expensiverelatively to the twisting cost. Accordingly, the problem remainsbasically unsolved.

In either of the above two prior arts, a combination of a shaft andbevel gear is disclosed, used as means for driving a spindle which is amain part of the twisting device. However, this combination entails acomplicated mechanism and hinders reduction of installation cost.

In Japanese Patent Publication No. 60-189847, techniques for supplyingtwo-directionally twisted yarns, S-twisted yarns and Z-twisted yarn, aredisclosed. However, such techniques are limited to a method for changingthe rotational direction while using a single motor by changing theapplication mode of a belt and another method wherein two drivingsystems are used, and there is no disclosure wherein the rotationalspeed, i.e., the twisting degree, is changed at a plurality of levels.

In addition, there is no disclosure in the above two prior arts of acase wherein a tapered paper tube or an aluminum pirn is used and a yarnis withdrawn only in one direction therefrom, but solely a so-calledstraight paper tube (cylindrical paper tube) is used for carrying a rawyarn. There has been a demand for a creel provided with twisting devicescapable of handling raw yarns of the above-mentioned package types.

In the above two prior arts, it is thought that the rotational speed ofa spindle is set to a relatively low level (300 rpm as a standard),because the twisting degree of the twisted yarn used for producingfabrics is 100 turn/m for 1,000 denier yarn or 80 turn/m for 1,500denier yarn.

Therefore, there may be no problem even though a simple mechanism isused for rotating a spindle on which a bobbin is fixedly held. However,when such a creel is adopted to weave a fabric having a low weft densitysuch as a cord fabric, substantially no twist is imparted to the yarnbecause the rotational speed is too low to obtain sufficient twisting.In addition, this creel cannot be used when highly twisted yarns aredesired as warps of fabric.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to eliminate theabove-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art and provide a creel withtwisting devices capable of handling various type bobbins on which anon-twisted yarn to be processed is wound and suitably used forproducing not only usual knit/woven fabrics and nets but also fabrics tobe woven at a higher rate because of their low weft density such as acord fabric and those wherein highly twisted yarns are used as warp, thecreel being able to be manufactured at an extremely low cost andexclusively used as a twisting apparatus wherein yarns are merelytwisted and wound.

To achieve the above object, a creel is provided according to thepresent invention, comprising a plurality of spindles rotatably held ona frame, each carrying bobbins on which non-twisted yarns are wound,whereby the non-twisted yarns withdrawn from the bobbins are twisted andthe thus-twisted yarns are arranged in parallel to each other to form ayarn sheet, wherein each of the spindles has a horizontal rotary shaftsection which is rotatably secured at a center thereof to the creelframe via bearings, and a bobbin carrying section provided on both endportions of the rotary shaft for carrying the bobbin on which thenon-twisted yarn is wound; a suitable driving means is provided andengaged with the rotary shaft section; and a single twisting operationor a two-for-one twisting operation is provided on the bobbin carryingsection.

Although in the following explanation, a creel used for giving yarns atwo-for-one twist, is mainly referred, the present invention is notrestricted to this embodiment.

The creel according to the present invention, and having the two-for-onetwisting mechanism or the normal one is operated as follows:

Various inconveniences reside in the prior art creel with twistingdevices, because bobbins must be rotated; for example, it is necessaryto orient the bobbin so that the yarn is unwound in reverse to therotational direction (if the bobbin is a straight paper tube, itscarrying direction must be considered), or if the yarn withdrawal islimited to only one direction, it is necessary to preliminarily preparethe bobbin so that the unwinding direction is reversed (for example, inthe case of tapered paper tube). According to the twisting device of thepresent invention, however, since a bobbin is stationary by the use of atwo-for-one twisting mechanism and the yarn unwinding direction isirrelevant to the bobbin rotational direction, there is an advantage inthat any kind of bobbin may be used while maintaining the properpositions, regardless of whether the twisting direction is S or Z.

Further, the spindle driving means comprises a single common motor and adriving system for transmitting power from the motor to the rotary shaftsection of the respective spindle via a suitable power transmissionmeans such as belts or chains. Such a driving system may be single orplural. If the respective system is adapted to be able to optionallyvary the rotational speed and direction of a group of spindles, it ispossible to readily change the twisting degree and/or the twistingdirection in each of the driving systems, if necessary, in accordancewith the yarn qualities and/or yarn thicknesses.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of a creel with two-for-onetwisting devices according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plane view of the creel shown in FIG. 1, illustrating aspindle driving system and two-for-one twisting devices in a partiallyenlarged manner;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged illustration of the twisting device shown in theplane view of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross section of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a partially sectioned plan view of a motor integral with arotary shaft of spindle used for the present invention;

FIGS. 6(A) to 6(C) are a side view, a front view and a plane view, ofthe creel with two-for-one twisting devices according to the presentinvention, respectively, wherein the motor shown in FIG. 5 is arrangedon the respective spindle;

FIGS. 7(A) and 7(B) show a side view and a front view for explainingprior art problems;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a bobbin holder usedfor the present invention;

FIG. 9(A) is a side view of a creel structure using the bobbin holdershown in FIG. 8 while using a direct motor as driving means;

FIG. 9(B) is a similar view using a belt as driving means; and

FIG. 10 is a front view of FIGS. 9(A) and 9(B).

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The present invention will be described below in more detail withreference to the drawings illustrating the preferred embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of a creel with two-for-onetwisting devices according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is aplane view of the creel shown in FIG. 1 in a partially enlarged manner.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a creel 1, in which a plurality of spindles 8are arranged on a frame 18. The respective spindle 8 carries a bobbin 3on which a non-twisted yarn 2 is wound, and is rotated by a suitabledriving means 7 including a belt or the like. Yarns 4 withdrawn from thebobbins 3 are twisted while being withdrawn, and the thus-twisted yarnare arranged in parallel to each other to form a yarn sheet 19. Therespective spindle 8 includes a horizontal rotary shaft 8' rotatablyheld at a center thereof on the frame 18 of the creel 1 via bearings20-1, 20-2. A spindle section is provided in at both ends of the rotaryshaft 8' for carrying the bobbin 3 on which the non-twisted yarn 2 iswound. In addition, a two-for-one twisting device 21 is provided at aportion on which the bobbins 3 are mounted.

In the present invention, the rotary shaft 8' is driven to rotate in thedesired direction by a driving means such as a belt, toothed belt, chainor gear train; or a motor directly coupled to the rotary shaft 8' via asuitable coupling means.

As apparent from FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 which is a partial enlargement ofFIG. 2, and FIG. 4 which is a partial cross section thereof, the creel 1with the two-for-one twisting devices 21 according to the presentinvention preferably has a hollow shaft 22 along an axis of the spindle8, on which the bobbin 3 of the non-twisted yarn is to be carried. Also,a driving means 7 for rotating the spindle 8 in one direction isprovided. If the driving means 7 operates, the non-twisted yarn 2-1withdrawn from the bobbin 3-1 located on one side (A) of the frame 18 ofthe creel 1 is double-twisted in one of the S- and Z-directions, whilethe non-twisted yarn 2-2 withdrawn from the bobbin 3-2 located on theother side (B) is double-twisted in the other of the Z- andS-directions.

The driving means 7 is coupled to a suitable power source 6 such as acommon motor and engaged with the rotary shafts 8' of a plurality ofspindles to rotate each of the spindles in an optional direction,respectively.

In FIG. 1, the driving means 7 connected to one motor 6-1 is adapted tobe engaged with a plurality of the rotary shafts 8' each forming a groupamong all of spindles arranged on the creel 1, and arranged in twoadjacently arranged rows. Thus three driving systems are provided inthis creel 1, each one of the driving systems comprising theabove-mentioned mechanism.

The creel 1 with two-for-one twisting devices 21 will be explained nextin more detail. As shown in FIG. 3, the spindle 8 having a hollow shaft22 is rotatably provided within a bobbin support 10 for carrying thebobbin 3 stationarily on which the non-twisted yarn 2 is wound. Atwo-for-one twisting device 21 for withdrawing the yarn from a base ofthe spindle 8 or a rear end of the bobbin 3 and for double-twisting thesame is provided on the spindle 8 and the driving means 7 for drivingthe spindle 8 is also provided. Thus, the non-twisted yarn 2 iswithdrawn from the bobbin 3 and double-twisted while being supplied to apredetermined apparatus 14 such as a loom, knitting machine, or warpingmachine. The spindle 8 has a rotary shaft 8' forming a center portionthereof and held by at least two bearings 20-1, 20-2 and having a hollowspindle section 9 comprising a hollow shaft portion 22 provided at bothends of the rotary shaft 8'. A plurality of the spindles 8 are arrangedin a horizontal position on the creel to form a group as seen from thelateral side of creel, and a plurality of such spindle groups areprovided in a multi-layered configuration. All the spindles 8 may bedriven as one group by a single driving means 7 in a predetermineddirection. Alternatively, the spindles 8 may be divided into severalsubgroups, each having an individual driving means 7, so that eachsubgroup is driven in a predetermined direction independently from theother groups. In the latter case, it is possible to rotate twonon-twisted yarns held on one spindle 8 in different directions fromeach other so that an S-twist is imparted to one yarn and a Z-twist tothe other at the same time.

In the creel 1 with the two-for-one twisting devices 21 according to thepresent invention, there is an eyelet 25 directly at a free end of thehollow shaft 22 of the respective spindle 8 or at a distance therefrom,for guiding the non-twisted yarn 2 withdrawn from the bobbin 3 to thehollow shaft 22, and a guide eyelet 16 in the vicinity of the base ofhollow shaft 22 or the rear end of the bobbin, for withdrawing the yarnfrom the hollow shaft 22. Also a pot-shaped outlet guide 11 extends fromthe guide eyelet 16 while encircling the rear end of the bobbin, and anoutlet eyelet 12 is provided at a position directly opposite from thefree end of the spindle 8 along the extension line of the hollow shaft22.

Yarn guides 11' and 11" may be provided on the pot-shaped outlet guide11.

Preferably, in the creel with two-for-one twisting devices according tothe present invention, a bobbin support 10 is provided on an outerperiphery portion 9 of the spindle 8 having the hollow shaft 22 throughbearings 15, 15' for holding the bobbin 3 on which the non-twisted yarn2 is wound. Also rotation-inhibiting means 17 is provided on the bobbinsupport 10, for keeping the bobbin support 10 stationary while thespindle 8 is rotating.

The rotation-inhibiting means 17 may be a dead weight of suitable massor a magnet so as to prevent the bobbin support 10 from being rotated.

The bobbin support 10 and the hollow shaft section used in the presentinvention can be replaced by another type of the support in accordancewith the shapes and types of the bobbin on which the non-twisted yarn iswound.

Preferably, the rotational speed of spindle 8 used in the presentinvention is variable in a range between 0 and 3,600 rpm by the drivingmeans 7 such as a driving belt, and the driving device 7 is coupled to apower source such as a motor 6 to be rotatable in an optional directionat an optional speed.

In the present invention, a single driving system comprising the powersource such as motor 6 and the driving means 7 may be arranged toconsist of a driving mechanism of the present invention, or a pluralityof the driving systems may consist of the driving mechanisms of thepresent invention whereby the rotational direction and speed of thespindles belonging to the respective systems are preferably variable.

The apparatus 14, to which twisted yarns are supplied from the creel 1with two-for-one twisting devices, is one in which the twisted yarns arecollectively processed, such as a loom or a knitting machine, or inwhich the twisted yarns are collectively taken up, such as a warper.

In short, the creel 1 with two-for-one twisting devices 21 according tothe present invention has a structure in that a rotatable hollow spindle8 and a two-for-one twisting device 21 are provided in a bobbin support10 for supporting a bobbin 3 stationarily on which a non-twisted yarn 2is wound, so that the yarn 2 is withdrawn from the base of the spindle 8or the rear end or intermediate portion of the bobbin 3 and supplied,while being twisted, to a predetermined apparatus 14. As seen in a planeview shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in a central area of the creel 1, thespindle 8 has a rotary shaft section 8' held by at least two bearings,and two hollow shaft sections 22 at both ends of the rotary shaftsection 8'. Therefor the hollow sections forming a single rotary bodywith the rotary shaft section 8'. The spindles 8 are arranged inparallel in the horizontal direction as seen from a side portion of thecreel 1. A plurality of such parallel arrangements are provided in thevertical direction in a multi-layered configuration as seen from a sideportion of the creel. The spindles 8 are rotated by motors 6 and drivingmeans 7 in one predetermined direction at a variable speed so that anS-twist and a Z-twist are separately and simultaneously applied to therespective yarn withdrawing from each bobbins 3 provided on the twospindle sections 8 formed on one rotary shaft 8'. The power source 6 andthe driving means 7 form a single driving system or a plurality ofdriving systems wherein each driving system is adapted to vary therotational direction and speed of the spindle belonging thereto. Thecreel 1 according to the present invention is constructed by theabove-mentioned novel technology and can be used when a very largeamount of twist to be applied to the yarn in a unit time is required.

The creel structure according to the present invention will be describedin more detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a side view ofthe creel 1 and FIG. 2 is a plane view of the creel 1.

As apparent from FIGS. 1 and 2, a plurality of groups of spindles 8 arearranged on a frame 18 of the creel 1, and each two adjacent spindlegroups arranged horizontally form each one block B1, B2 and B3. In eachone of the blocks, a single common motor 6 is provided and drives allthe spindles 8 belonging to each block in the same direction, via adriving means 7 such as a belt or a chain engaged in the center portionof the respective spindle.

In this embodiment, especially when the belt is used as the drivingmeans 7, it is preferable to provide tension pulleys 71 at apredetermined pitch so that the belt 7 always engages with the centerportion 8' of the spindle under a predetermined pressure.

Preferably, the driving motor 6 provided in each block moves to aposition shown by dotted lines when the belt 7 is set on each one of thespindles 8, and returns to a position shown by solid lines to impart apredetermined tension to the belt after the belt has been set.

As shown in FIG. 2 which is a plane view of the creel, the spindle 8 hasat least two bearings 20-1 and 20-2 in a center section and, as shown inFIG. 3 which is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 2, a hollow shaftsection 22 forming a hollow yarn path at both ends of the centersection. Also a guide eyelet 16 and an outlet guide 11 are provided forwithdrawing the yarn from a base of the hollow shaft section 22.

Of course, the hollow path may be provided throughout the spindle shaft.In such a case, the guide eyelet 16 may be provided at a proper positionin the middle of hollow path.

There is a bobbin support 10 on outer peripheral portion of the hollowspindle 9 through a bearing, whereby a bobbin 3 on which a non-twistedyarn 2 is wound, is held.

In this structure, the bobbin support 10 is made stationary by a weight17 even though the spindle 8 is driven to rotate, so that the bobbin 3carrying the non-twisted yarn 2 is stationary when the creel is inoperation.

The hollow spindle 9 and bobbin support 10 preferably form a moduleadapted to be attachable and detachable relative to the rotary shaftsection 8' forming a center portion of the spindle, so that the moduleis replaceable, if necessary, in accordance with the shape of raw yarnpackages.

The replaceable module is not a basic and indispensable constituentfeature, but is only one aspect of the present invention. That is, themodule may be of a fixed type.

In the structure shown in FIG. 2, the spindle 8 is, of course, rotatedin one direction. This means that, when seen in the withdrawingdirection, the non-twisted yarn 2 on the right-hand side (A) in FIG. 2rotates clockwise and that on the left-hand side (B) rotatescounterclockwise.

Accordingly, on the right-hand side (A) in FIG. 2, the non-twisted yarn2 drawn into the hollow shaft section 22 is imparted with a firstS-twist by the rotation of the base of the hollow shaft section, andthen with a second S-twist between the outlet guide 11 and the outleteyelet 12.

While, on the left-hand side (B), the non-twisted yarn 2 is impartedwith two Z-twists while the spindle is once rotated in the same twistingmechanism as mentioned-above, because the rotational direction thereofis counterclockwise.

Therefore, if the rotational direction of the spindle 8 is reversed, aZ-twist is imparted on the right-hand side (A), and an S-twist isimparted on the left-hand side (B).

That is, as far as the same driving means is used, the twistingdirection applied to the yarn withdrawn from a bobbin provided on oneend of the spindle 8 is always opposite to that of the yarn withdrawnfrom a bobbin provided on another end of the spindle but the rotationalspeed, i.e., the twisting degree, is identical to each other.

A more detailed explanation of the structure and operation of the creelaccording to the present invention will be given below with reference tothe drawings.

In FIG. 1, a predetermined number (60 pcs. on one side visible in FIG. 1and 60 pcs. on the opposite side; total 120 pcs.) of bobbins 3, eachcarrying the non-twisted yarn 2, are arranged in the creel. Thenon-twisted yarn 2 is withdrawn from each bobbin 3 and twisted in a pathto each outlet eyelet 12. A group of the thus-twisted yarns 4 aresupplied to the above mentioned predetermined apparatus 14 (for example,a narrow width needle loom shown in FIG. 1) via tension rollers 13 whilemaintaining a parallel arrangement.

Elements arranged in a lattice manner in FIG. 1 comprise ananti-ballooning member 5 which is effective for preventing contact of aballoon of the yarn twisted on one spindle with that of a yarn twistedon an adjacent spindle. Note that the member 5 is made of a woven orknit fabric, film, nonwoven fabric, plate or rod.

If the apparatus 14 is a warper, warping speed should be at a lowerlevel when a creel with conventional twisting devices is used. Contraryto this, according to the present invention, the warping operation canbe favorably carried out at a higher speed than the conventional speed.

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of the creel 1 with two-for-onetwisting devices 21 according to the present invention, wherein if theapparatus 14 (a loom or a warper) starts to operate, the spindles 8 ofthe creel 1 also start to rotate in synchronism therewith. When theyarns run as the apparatus 14 is operated, the non-twisted yarn 2 iswithdrawn from the stationary bobbin 3 and drawn into the yarn path 22provided in the interior of the hollow spindle section 8 provided onboth ends of the spindle 8' via the eyelet 25.

At this time, to simply prevent the yarn unwound from the bobbin 3 fromfalling down and interfering with a balloon of non-twisted yarn in theadjacent spindle 8 being imparted with a second twist, the raw yarn ispreferably covered with a net or an envelope.

The non-twisted yarn 2 is imparted with a first twist between the baseof spindle and the guide eyelet 16, and with a second twist between theguide eyelet 16 and the outlet eyelet 12.

The illustrated guide eyelet 16, outlet guide 11, eyelet 25 or the likeis a mere example and can have any other shapes and structures. This isalso true of the hollow spindle unit.

As described before, according to the present invention, ananti-ballooning member 5 is preferably provided between all adjacentspindles 8 so as to prevent a balloon of non-twisted yarn 2 during thesecond twisting from extending and interfering with the yarn of theadjacent spindle 8. An anti-ballooning plate 5 may be replaced byanother member having a cylindrical form or others, provided the abovefunction is obtainable.

Differences between the two-for-one twisting device used in the creel 1according to the present invention and a so-called double twister of theconventional type are as follows.

(1) A pair of twisting units, which are provided on both ends of asingle spindle positioned in the horizontal direction, are simple instructure and rotated at the same time. Thereby there is an advantage inthat the installation cost per spindle is reduced.

(2) A guide eyelet 16 and an outlet guide 11 are provided on both endsof a center shaft portion. A unit consisting of a hollow spindle 9,outer bearings 15 and a bobbin support 10 is mounted to this area. Theunit is replaceable if necessary.

(3) A precise tension adjustment, as in a case of a twister, isunnecessary because twisted yarns withdrawn from the creel 1 andsupplied to an apparatus (a loom or a warper) generally pass a tensionroller device so that a length and tension of warp are uniform. If suchan adjustment is required, a tenser unit may be provided at a top end ofbobbin.

(4) Since the rotational speed may be changed in a wider range, theapplication field is widened.

(5) Since the spindles are closely arranged in relation to each other soas to be installed, it is possible to prevent interference betweenballooning yarns with a simple and lower cost structure.

With the creel of the present invention, twisted yarns are supplied tothe above-mentioned apparatus (a loom or a warper). A twisting numbernecessary for the twisted yarn is determined by a rotational speed ofthe spindle and a running speed of non-twisted yarn withdrawn from abobbin.

The withdrawing speed of non-twisted yarn relies on a take-up speed ofthe above-mentioned apparatus (a loom or a warper). For example, if acord fabric is woven by a narrow width needle loom at a rotational speedof 2,400 rpm and a weft density of 3 cm/pick, a production rate is 72m/min.

If it is necessary to impart a twist of 100 turn/m to warps, arotational speed of the spindle is about 7,200 rpm in the conventionaltwisting device and about 3,600 rpm in the two-for-one twisting device.

If a warping operation is carried out at the same rotational spindlespeed while imparting a twist of 100 turn/m to the yarn, a take-up speedof 72 m/min is obtained.

Since the take-up speed of the above-mentioned apparatus (a loom or awarper) is not constant and the twisting degree must be varied inaccordance with materials and/or thicknesses of yarns, it is necessarythat the spindle be rotatable in an optional direction at an optionalspeed in the present invention.

The yarn wound on the bobbin may be not only a non-twisted yarn but alsoa soft twist yarn available from a fiber maker (which is included as anon-twisted yarn in the present invention). Thickness of the non-twistedyarn is also optionally selected in accordance with the uses thereof. Ifnecessary, raw yarns are plied with each other so that a ply-twistedyarn is obtained.

In the present invention, generally, all of the twisted yarns 4withdrawn from the creel have the same twisting degree but one halfthereof are twisted in an S-direction while a latter half in aZ-direction. If a plurality of spindle driving systems are provided, itis possible to partially change the twisting degree if necessary or varyan allocation of S-twist and Z-twist.

A driving device 7 for spindle 8 will be described with reference toFIG. 2. A number of spindles 8 not illustrated are rotated by a motor 6and the driving device 7. In FIG. 1, a group of ten spindles 8 arearranged in one horizontal plane as seen from a side portion of thecreel and six groups of spindles 8 are arranged in a multi-layeredconfiguration in the vertical direction wherein three motors 6-1-6-3 areprovided so that one motor drives two groups of spindles arrangedhorizontally. Alternatively the spindles may be driven by a single motorand driving means in one predetermined direction while varying therotational speed thereof. Also, the position of motor may be above orbeneath the creel. If it is desired to use S-twist yarns or Z-twistyarns in a predetermined width zone of fabric, it is preferable tolocate the motor in a rear area of the creel, as shown in FIG. 1. Tocontrol spindle rotation, an AC motor of general purpose type is usedand the rotational speed is changed by modifying a pulse width of apower voltage with an inverter via a control panel. The frequency can bemodified in a range between 0 Hertz and 120 Hertz, which is consideredin this case to theoretically correspond to a rotational motor speed ina range between 0 rpm and 3,600 rpm. To effectively convert therotational speed throughout a wider range, when the higher rotationalspeed is mainly used, the motor is preferably coupled directly to thedriving means; and when the lower rotational speed is mainly used, themotor is preferably coupled via a speed changer which can vary the speedcontinuously or in steps (for example, steps of one fifteenth).

If necessary, it is possible to adapt the driving system to be able toswitch between the higher speed range and the lower speed range.

Alternatively, it is possible to adopt a variable speed motor so thatthe rotational speed is controllable.

Since the selection of motor, driving means and/or speed changer iswell-known in the prior art, a detailed explanation thereof will not begiven here. By adopting such a structure, the rotational speed of aspindle is variable over a wider range, for example, between 0 rpm andabout 3,600 rpm, whereby the twisting degree can be easily changed andthe creel can be used in more applications. In addition, if the spindlesare not driven and remain stationary, it is possible to withdraw thenon-twisted yarns as they are and supply the same to the above-mentionedapparatus.

In FIG. 1, two horizontal groups of spindles are driven by one motorsystem. However, if a plurality of driving means are provided in amultilayered configuration, it is possible to drive more spindle groupswith one motor system. A pitch between the adjacent spindles isgenerally defined by a bobbin and an amount of raw yarn wound thereon.

In the above embodiment, while a plurality of spindle groups arranged inthe horizontal direction on the creel are driven by a driving systemconsisting of one motor provided at one end of the frame 18 and belts orchains positioned in the horizontal direction, it is also possible todrive spindle groups by a driving means 7 consisting of a driving systemincluding one motor provided at one end of the frame 18 and belts orchains positioned in the vertical direction.

The object of the present invention can be achieved according to theabove embodiment. However, there is a problem in that slippage occurswhen belts are used as a driving means even though the tension thereofis controlled as far as possible, which causes a high energy loss andlowers the driving efficiency. Therefore, this mechanism is unsuitablefor a high speed drive. Also there is another problem when chains areused as a driving means in that the weight thereof is so heavy that theenergy loss is significant and noise is generated when driven at highspeed. Therefore, this mechanism has also been found to be unsuitablefor a high speed drive.

To solve such problems, the present inventors have found that it iseffective to directly provide the above driving means 7 for each spindle8, so that the driving means 7 is formed by a motor 6 directly coupledto each one of the spindles 8, at a central rotary shaft section 8'.

That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the driving means 7 isa motor 60, the output shaft of which constitutes a rotary shaft section8' of the spindle 8.

More specifically, the driving means 7 is structured by the motor 60directly coupled to a central rotary shaft section 8' of each spindle 8.Motors 60 form one or more driving systems which are adapted to becapable of changing the rotational direction and speed of the spindlesbelonging to one driving system, independently from the other drivingsystems.

The motor 60 in this embodiment is formed from a stator 62 with a statorcoil 61 and a rotor 63 with a rotor core constituted by laminatedmagnetic steel sheets. The rotary shaft section 8' of the spindle 8 isinserted into a center portion of the rotor 63.

In FIG. 5, the motor 60 is a three-phase squirrel cage type inductionmotor having a cage-shaped rotor 63, wherein reference numeral 64denotes a bearing; 65 a bracket; 66 a stator coil insulator; 67 a frame;68 a rotor end ring; and 69 an internal fan.

In this embodiment, the motor 60 of the above structure is mounted oneach spindle 8, so that the spindle 8 can start, stop or rotate in apredetermined direction and at a predetermined speed.

Specifically, a control device including an inverter may be provided inthe motor 60 of the respective spindle so that the rotational control ispossible based on the frequency control by changing the pulse width.

In such a case, it is possible to rotate or stop the respective spindleor a group of spindles selected in accordance with a change in thenumber of yarns.

Also, by using frequency control, it is possible to easily carry out asoft-starting and/or a soft-stopping as well as an emergency machinestop or a modification of the rotation.

Since it is possible to synchronize the rotation of a plurality ofmotors 60 by using motors with the above structure, the rotationalspeeds of the respective spindles can be easily synchronized.

While the motors 60 provided for the respective spindles areindividually controlled in the above embodiment, it is also possible tosimultaneously control the motors 60 included in a group having a propernumber of spindles, by a suitable control device in a manner similar tothat described above.

In this case, it is preferable to form a group of about twenty motors 60taking cost effectiveness into consideration.

An arrangement of spindles 8 when the motors 60 are used in the creel 1according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. 6(A) through 6(C)in comparison with the arrangement shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 6(A) is a front view of the creel 1; FIG. 6(B) is a side viewthereof; and FIG. 6(C) is a plane view thereof.

As apparent from FIGS. 6(A) through 6(C), a plurality of groups ofspindles 8 are arranged on a frame 18 of the creel 1 so that every twogroups located in the vertical direction form one block B1, B2 or B3.

Since each spindle 8 is integral with an output shaft of the motor 60fixedly secured on a frame 18' by a suitable mounting means, thebearings 20-1 and 20-2, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, for supporting therespective sides of the rotary shaft section 8' of the spindle areunnecessary.

Also, since a space for providing belts or chains and tension pulleysfor adjusting the belt tension can be eliminated, the whole structure ofthe creel 1 is simplified and the size thereof is minimized.

In FIGS. 6(A) through 6(C), the same reference numerals used in FIGS. 1and 2 are used for denoting similar elements to those shown in FIGS. 1and 2, and an explanation thereof is omitted.

In the above embodiment, it is possible to manage a plurality of spindlegroups as one block independently from other blocks. For example, ifblocks B1, B2, B3 shown in FIG. 6(A) are arranged on different framesmovable in the lateral direction, it is possible to vary the framestructure in accordance with a variation in the number of spindles to beused. Also, since a space between the respective frames can beoptionally formed so that an operator can easily have access to the backor side of the frame, it is possible to easily carry out bobbinreplacement or machine repair.

The spindle 8 according to the present invention has a shape wherein thecentral portion 8' has a maximum outer diameter and the side portionsthereof have a reduced outer diameter.

The spindle 8 carries a bobbin on which a non-twisted yarn is wound onthe side portion and rotates the same at a predetermined speed. If thespindle is out of rotational balance, vibration occurs, which causes, inthe worst case, breakage of the spindle due to resonance. However, sucha vibration could be suppressed to a minimum level by forming thespindle to have the above shape.

In the above embodiment, as described before, to prevent interferencedue to a ballooning of yarn 2 unwound from the bobbin 3-1 with adjacentbobbin 3-1 or a yarn wound on the adjacent bobbin, an anti-ballooningplate 5 is provided on the creel or a net or a bag is provided to coverthe bobbin 3-1 on which a non-twisted yarn is wound. Suchcountermeasures, however, are inconvenient when the bobbin 3-1 on whicha non-twisted yarn is wound is mounted on the spindle. Moreover, sincespace is required in the peripheral region of the spindle for enhancingthe mounting operation, it is difficult to miniaturize the creel size.

To solve such problems, the present inventors have analyzed thegeneration of ballooning caused by yarn 2 unwound from the bobbin 3-1 onwhich the yarn is wound. The ballooning varies in accordance withvarious factors such as yarn weight, unwinding speed of yarn from thebobbin 3-1 or rotational speed of the outlet guide 11.

As shown in FIG. 7, it is found that, in most cases, a yarn segmentbetween the outlet guide 11 and the outlet eyelet 12 is brought intocontact with a yarn layer of the bobbin 3-1 at a point P1, or a segmentof yarn 2 between the bobbin 3-1 and the eyelet 25 before beingintroduced into the hollow section 22 of the spindle 8 is brought intocontact with the peripheral edge of a rotating twist pot 91 holding theoutlet guide 11 at a point P2. Because of these contact points, the yarnis imparted with excessive friction, which may generate unevenness intwist and in the worst case may cause yarn breakage.

To solve this problem, it was conceived of to enlarge the diameter ofthe rotating twist pot 91. According to such a structure, however, it isnecessary to provide a considerable space around the respective spindle,which causes the increase in creel size, reduction of operationefficiency and rise of manufacturing cost.

The present inventors have found through study for solving theseproblems that a bobbin holder 93 is preferably provided in therespective spindle as shown in FIG. 8.

The bobbin holder 93 is integrally formed with the bobbin support 10already explained with reference to FIG. 4, and provided with a yarnreceiver 94 for covering the underside of the bobbin 3-1 on which anon-twisted yarn is wound and being held in the bobbin support 10, and ayarn guide 95 integrally formed with a front end F of the yarn receiver94.

The bobbin holder 93 preferably has a space S on the upper side thereof,with a length at least two thirds of the total length of the bobbin 3-1on which the non-twisted yarn is wound and being held in the bobbinsupport.

The bobbin holder 93 is coupled to the rotary shaft section of eachspindle 8 having the hollow portion 22, via a bearing 15 built into thebobbin support 10, so that the bobbin 3-1 on which the non-twisted yarnis wound is maintained stationary while the rotary shaft section isrotated and the yarn receiver 94 for covering the underside of thebobbin 3-1 on which the non-twisted yarn is wound is integrally coupledwith the bobbin support 10. An area of the underside of the bobbin 3-1to be covered is not limited, but the yarn receiver 94 is preferablydesigned so that the bobbin 3-1 on which the non-twisted yarn is woundis at most covered in a semicircular manner.

The yarn receiver 94 is made of aluminum alloy, plastics or the like tohave a desired weight sufficient for holding the bobbin on which thenon-twisted yarn is wound stationarily.

The yarn guide 95 integrally formed at the front end F of the yarnreceiver 94 is preferably of an annular shape and has a smooth surface.

As described before, the bobbin holder 93 of the present invention ismaintained substantially in a stationary state even when each spindle 8rotates. Also as shown in FIG. 7, a section of yarn 2 unwound from thebobbin 3-1 and reaching the eyelet 25 is prevented by the yarn receiver94 from hanging down and a section of yarn 2 present between the outletguide 11 and the outlet eyelet 12 is withdrawn while sliding along theperipheral edge of the yarn guide 95, whereby the yarn path iscompletely regulated.

In addition, in the bobbin holder 93, the space S is provided on theupper side thereof, for facilitating the insertion of the bobbin 3-1 onwhich the non-twisted yarn is wound, into the spindle 8, and removal ofthe same from the spindle 8, the space preferably having the lengthcorresponding to about 2/3 of the total length of the bobbin.

Accordingly, due to the use of bobbin holder 93, it is unnecessary toprovide an unintentional space around the respective spindle 8, wherebya pitch between adjacent spindles 8 can be reduced. This enablesminimizing the total size of creel 1 and increases the operationefficiency, as well as preventing interference between yarns unwoundfrom the adjacent bobbins and the generation of twist unevenness andyarn breakage.

In this connection, FIG. 9(A) shows one embodiment using the abovebobbin holder 93, wherein the two spindles 8 are driven by a motor. FIG.9(B) shows another embodiment wherein the two spindles 8 are driven by abelt. In either case, the eyelet 25 provided at the front end of therespective spindle 8 may have a tensioning means 96 such as a disktensor, ball tensor or bar tensor.

FIG. 10 is a front view of FIGS. 9(A) and 9(B).

The bobbin support 10 and the hollow portion 22 of the spindle 8 arepreferably replaceable with other ones having different shapes inaccordance with the type and shape of the bobbin 3-1 or 3-2 on which thenon-twisted yarn is wound. Also the width and shape of the yarn receiver94 may be changed in accordance with the kind of yarn or the bobbintypes.

The creel 1, wherein non-twisted yarns are withdrawn from bobbins andtwisted, is used in combination with an apparatus for collectivelyprocessing the yarns, for example, a loom, knitting machine, nettingmachine or the like, or an apparatus for collectively taking up theyarns, such as a warper. Also the creel 1 can be directly coupled to anapparatus for individually taking up the yarns, such as a bobbin winder.

Examples will be explained below, wherein the creel 1 according to thepresent invention is used for weaving fabrics. To simplify theexplanation, it is assumed that two strips of fabric are woven by anarrow width needle loom being supplied from one creel with twistingdevices.

When the rotational speed of the spindle is in a lower range and therotational speed of loom is 2,000 pick/min, warps are fed to the loomfrom the creel 1 at a feeding rate of about 1.5 m/min for a weft densityof 33 pick/in, and at a feeding rate of about 3.0 m/min for a weftdensity of 16.5 pick/in. If yarns having a twisting degree of 100 turn/mare used for the production of this fabric, the rotational speed ofspindle in the creel with two-for-one twisting devices according to thepresent invention should be 75 rpm for a yarn supply rate of 1.5 m/minand 150 rpm for a yarn supply rate of 3.0 m/min.

When an arrow width fabric is woven, the minimum rotational speed ofspindle is defined as 60 rpm in the present invention. Applications ofthe creel according to the present invention for the production of suchkinds of fabrics will be described below.

In the above-explained embodiments of the present invention, the creelhaving the two-for-one twisting mechanism is shown.

In the present invention, however, the embodiments, for example, inwhich a motor is directly mounted on a spindle or in which a spindle isprovided with a spindle holder, can also be used in a creel having thesingle twisting mechanism.

In FIG. 1, it is assumed that spindles are divided into a plurality ofgroups A (uppermost row) through F (lowermost row) and controlled bymotors associated with the respective groups.

(1) In FIG. 1, two groups A and B are driven by a motor 6-1, groups Cand D are driven by a motor 6-2, and groups E and F are driven by amotor 6-3. If all the motors 6-1 through 6-3 are driven in the samedirection and at the same rotational speed, the twisting degree of therespective yarn is identical but the twisting direction is reversed onthe respective sides as seen from the creel front. In this case, if thelefthand yarns and the righthand yarns are supplied separately from eachother to a loom, two kinds of fabrics, each having a different twistingdirection, can be obtained.

(2) If the S-twist yarns and the Z-twist yarns are drawn into the loom,while being separated between an exit of each group in the creel and agroup of tension rollers 13, two belt like fabrics in which a group ofthe S-twist yarns and a group of the Z-twist yarns are alternatelyarranged at a predetermined width, are obtained. If the fabric is aherring-bone weave woven with the same directional-twist yarns, a twilllooks different depending on the direction of the twill. With thismethod, however, since the twisting direction can be changed for everytwill, it is possible to obtain a fabric in which the twill always looksequal. The method for grouping the yarns is wellknown to a person withordinary skill in this art and can be selected in accordance with thespecification of the fabric.

(3) If the motors 6-1 and 6-3 are driven in one direction and the motor6-2 in the opposite direction, Z-twist yarns and S-twist yarns arealternately obtained at every two groups on both side of the creel.These yarns are drawn in the loom as two yarn sheets while maintainingthis arrangement, and woven. In general, when relatively hard,one-directional twist yarns are used, the resultant fabric is liable todistort. However, the above fabric according to the present invention isfree from distortion because the S-twist yarns and the Z-twist yarns aremixed in a balanced manner.

(4) To use, in one fabric, warps with different thicknesses or warpswith partially different twisting degrees even though the thickness isequal, it is possible to impart the respective warps with a requiredtwisting degree by changing the rotational speed of the motors 6-1through 6-3. If necessary, non-twisted yarns can be supplied whilestopping some of the motors.

(5) If all the motors are stopped, it is possible to supply usingnon-twisted yarns or preliminary-twisted yarns as they are in the priorart creel.

The above description was given for a case where the creel according tothe present invention is applied to a loom. However, the presentinvention is not limited thereto but can be suitably used for a warper.In this case, the creel usually operates in a higher rotational speedrange because the feed rate is high. Examples of operation in a higherrotational speed range will be explained next based on a narrow widthneedle loom.

If a cord fabric having a weft density of 3 cm/pick is woven at a rateof 2,000 pick/min, the production rate is 60 m/min. If a twisting degreeof 100 turn/m is imparted to the warps by a prior art twisting device,the spindle must rotate at about 6,000 rpm. However, in the case of atwo-for-one twisting system, the spindle operates as low as 3,000 rpm.

If the above-mentioned apparatus for two-for-one twisting devices is awarper, it is possible to have warps having a twisting degree of 100turn/m at a production rate of 60 m/min, and those having a twistingdegree of 150 turn/m at a production rate of 40 m/min.

Since the creel according to the present invention has theabove-described structure, various advantages are obtainable as follows:

1) Since the spindle rotational speed is variable over a wider range, itis possible to have an optional twisting degree not dependent on thetake-up speed of the loom or warper, whereby the field of utilization iswidened.

2) Since it is possible to eliminate the operation generally requiredwith the use of twisted yarns, such as the loading of a package on thetwister or rewinding of the twisted yarn from a twist bobbin, themanufacturing time, cost and productivity is improved.

3) Yarn packages in a usual form such as a straight paper tube, tapertube, or aluminum pirn can be used as they are without changing theform.

4) While a preliminarily-twisted yarn package as used in theconventional creel has a smaller weight (length) of yarn compared withthe large-packaged production yarn (available from a fiber maker), thepresent invention has an advantage in that the large-packaged yarn isused as it is.

5) Since a spindle per se rotates while a raw yarn bobbin is stationary,it is possible to drive a number of spindles with one motor. Also sincea pair of twisting devices are provided on one spindle, it is possibleto simplify the structure to reduce the installation cost.

6) There is no risk of erroneous arrangement of warps when S and Z-twistyarns are mixedly used in a fabric. Also, if S and Z-twist yarns aresuitably mixed in one fabric, product distortion which is liable tooccur when hard twist yarns are used can be easily avoided.

7) If a plurality of driving systems are provided, it is possible toimpart proper twisting degrees to yarns or warps made of differentmaterials or having different applications.

8) Since a relatively hard twist multi-filament yarn is liable to curldue to restoration of twist, an anti-curling treatment must be carriedout in the prior art. However, according to the present invention, sucha treatment is unnecessary.

9) Since optionally twisted yarns are directly supplied to varioustextile machines according to the present invention, it is possible toadjust the twisting degree while confirming the feeling of a productwhile it is still on the machine, which results in higher qualityproducts with no yarn-borne defects compared with products producedusing preliminarily-twisted yarns.

10) It has been known that twisted yarn produced from a twisting machinegenerally have a lower strength than raw yarns. However, there is almostno reduction in strength of twisted yarns produced by the presentinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A creel comprising a plurality of spindlesrotatably held on a frame, each carrying bobbins on which non-twistedyarns are wound, wherein the non-twisted yarns withdrawn from thebobbins are twisted and the thus-twisted yarns are arranged in parallelto each other to form a yarn sheet, characterized in that each of thespindles has a horizontal rotary shaft section which is rotatablysupported at a center portion of said rotary shaft on a creel frame viabearings, and a bobbin carrying section provided on the respective sideof the rotary shaft section for carrying the bobbin on which thenon-twisted yarn is wound; a suitable driving means is provided andengaged with the rotary shaft section; and a two-for-one twisting deviceis provided on the bobbin carrying section.
 2. A creel as defined byclaim 1, wherein, in a bobbin support for carrying said bobbin on whichsaid non-twisted yarn is wound, said spindle having a rotary hollowshaft driven by said driving device and said two-for-one twisting devicefor drawing the non-twisted yarn into the hollow shaft, withdrawing saidyarn from said hollow shaft to outside of said shaft through a holeconnected to a hollow portion of said shaft and provided thereon andclose to said center portion of said spindle and also close to rear endportion of said bobbin facing to said center portion of said spindle anddouble-twisting the yarn while the yarn reaches a yarn exit, areprovided, so that the non-twisted yarn withdrawn from the bobbin istwisted while being supplied to a yarn taking up apparatus,characterized in that the spindle is a single spindle having at leasttwo bearings in a central area thereof and hollow shaft sections on bothsides; wherein said creel comprises said plurality of spindles which arearranged parallel to each other in the horizontal direction to formmulti-stages in the vertical direction as seen from the lateral side ofthe creel; and the spindles are rotated in a predetermined direction bya single common motor via transmission means so that one of twonon-twisted yarns carried on one of ends of said each spindle is twistedin an S-direction and simultaneously another non-twisted yarn carried onanother end of said spindle opposite to said previous ends with respectto said motor is twisted in a Z-direction.
 3. A creel as defined byclaim 1, characterized in that the spindle has an eyelet for guiding thenon-twisted yarn withdrawn from the bobbin into the hollow shaftsections, and a guide eyelet and an outlet guide for withdrawing theyarn from the hollow shaft section; and an outlet eyelet is provided ata position along the extension of the axis of the hollow shaft sectionapart from the free end of the spindle.
 4. A creel as defined by claim1, characterized in that the creel further comprises a bobbin holderconsisting of a yarn receiver integrally formed with the bobbin support,for covering at least the underside of the bobbin on which thenon-twisted yarn is wound and being held on the bobbin support, and ayarn guide integrally formed with a front end of the yarn receiver.
 5. Acreel as defined by claim 4, characterized in that a space is providedon the upper side of the bobbin holder, having a length of about 2/3that of the bobbin on which the non-twisted yarn is wound and being heldby the bobbin support.
 6. A creel as defined by claim 1, characterizedin that the rotational direction and speed of the spindle are variableby the driving means.
 7. A creel with two-for-one twisting devices asdefined by claim 1, characterized in that the driving means comprises atleast two driving systems consisting of a motor and means fortransmitting motor power to the central area of each spindle so thateach driving system can independently set the rotational direction andspeed of the spindles belonging thereto independently different fromthose of the other driving systems.
 8. A creel with two-for-one twistingdevices as defined by claim 1, characterized in that the driving meanscomprises individual motors, each being directly coupled to each rotaryshaft section; the motors being divided into at least two drivingsystems so that each driving systems can vary the rotational directionand speed of the spindles thereto independently from those of the otherdriving systems via a control circuit provided in the respective drivingsystem.
 9. A creel with two-for-one twisting devices as defined by claim8, characterized in that the driving means is said motor comprising astator having a stator coil and a rotor having a rotor core made oflaminated magnetic steel sheets; an output shaft of the motor being usedas the central portion of the spindle shaft.
 10. A creel withtwo-for-one twisting devices as defined by claim 1 characterized in thatan apparatus to be supplied with yarns which are withdrawn from bobbinsand twisted by said two-for-one twisting device is one selected from agroup of apparatus for collectively processing the yarns, including aloom, knitting machine and netting machine, a warper, and a bobbinwinder.